Dr Reddy's receives approval for three INDs and reorganises drug discovery operations
Dr Reddy's has confirmed that the first human subjects have been successfully dosed in a phase I study with DRL 17822, a selective inhibitor of CETP, for the treatment of dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular diseases.
Dr Reddy's has confirmed that the first human subjects have been successfully dosed in a phase I study with DRL 17822, a selective inhibitor of CETP, for the treatment of dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular diseases.
"The compound shows potent elevation in HDL-C and reduction of atherosclerotic plaques in animals, and has a clean safety profile in preclinical studies," the company said. The other INDs are for the treatment of COPD and dyslipidemia.
In addition, Dr Reddy's will absorb its Hyderabad Drug Discovery operations into Aurigene, its wholly owned drug discovery biotech headquartered in Bangalore. The discovery research operation's employees, facility and infrastructure will become Aurigene resources, which will now operate out of two sites in Bangalore and Hyderabad.
Dr Reddy's will also create a new group to focus on the development of Proprietary Products. It will work with Aurigene and other discovery biotechs to ensure effective management of ongoing and future drug discovery programmes. All the existing intellectual property will be owned and managed by this new unit.
As part of the reorganisation, the company will close the Atlanta research facility in the US.
G V Prasad, vice chairman and ceo of Dr Reddy's said: "As we prioritise our company-wide research and development spending, we will now be placing greatest emphasis on r&d activities that can have a significant impact on near-term earnings, while not losing focus on the long-term interests of the company."
The discovery research unit in Hyderabad will be called Aurigene - Hyderabad and report to CSN Murthy, ceo of Aurigene. Rajinder Kumar, president of r&d and commercialisation will step down to pursue other interests once the transition is completed, but will continue to advise the Proprietary Products group beyond 1 July. Raghav Chari, senior vice president will head the Proprietary Products group.
